(2 minutes read)
· Tunisian traders saw the reopening of the border with their oil-rich neighbor- Libya-as a good sign for improving business ties.
· Stability in Libya could bring about economic growth in Tunisia. The trade relationship between the two countries deteriorated after 2016, when tensions mounted in the region
· Trade operations between Tunisia and Libya became complicated after the attack of Daesh (IS group
Tunisian traders saw the reopening of the border with their oil-rich neighbor- Libya-as a good sign for improving business ties. Stability in Libya could bring about economic growth in Tunisia. The trade relationship between the two countries deteriorated after 2016, when tensions mounted in the region. Trade operations between Tunisia and Libya became complicated after the attack of Daesh (IS group).
The marketplace of Ben Guerdane, some 200 kilometres from the Libyan capital Tripoli, is known for the supply of goods from western Libya. Now, traders from both sides are hopeful that trade relationship would improve, with political situation easing up. Traders hope that the resumption of political dialogue in Libya, coupled with the appointment of a transitional executive in March augur well for business.
The Libyan crisis cost Tunisia 24% of its economic growth between 2011 and 2015, according to the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.
